General Andrew Jackson standing on a coach waving to supporters, on his way to Washington to become the 7th president of the United States in 1829. Three Lions/Getty Images

March 27, 2014

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March 27, 1829: Washington's "society ladies" were shocked when President Andrew Jackson named John Eaton to be his secretary of war. Eaton's wife was said to have had a "lurid" past, and his appointment as war secretary caused some to question the president's judgment. President Jackson didn't care, but Eaton and another supporter — Secretary of State Martin Van Buren — resigned to limit the "scandal."

Quote of the day

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." –John Quincy Adams